AGAINST ALL ODDS AND UNEXPECTED MISHAPS, BLAST OFF MAKES A THRILLING ENTRY INTO THE WORLD OF HIP HOP
Power outages? Hungry producer locked up in booths hungry and waiting for his pizza to slide through the ventilator? Writing and recording music under candle light? Nope these are not some random movie scenes we’re telling. This is actually how the recording session of Chino Picasso’s latest released album, BLAST OFF, went! Crazy and extremely unexpected but, truly, nothing could tell the story of the album as much as the story of recording it.
The album features 18 tracks where the artist was able to freely experiment and boldly explore musically. Picasso was able to break boundaries and bridge a variety of styles and techniques to come with lots of unique sounds and auditory experiences that keeps the listener interested and pleasantly surprised with new ideas and concepts. You don’t always get what you expect or anticipate musically, and that is the best part about BLAST OFF.
Giving that the album is mainly inspired by the Picasso’s personal life and experiences, the first track, STEP, opens up with a strong narrative about the artist and how he maneuvers around toxic and fake people. Those who are “hissing like snakes.” The imagery here, sure is on point, and it clearly showcases the artist’s lyrical abilities.
The second track, BREAK THE LAW, despite being an all instrumental track, it actually blends perfectly with its former. It smoothly holds on to this chill yet swag vibe, urging the listeners to enjoy the vibe a little bit more. But what stands out in this track is how the producer, operating under DTH Productions and who happens to be Picasso’s childhood buddy, cleverly plays with mixing and sound dynamics. It keeps the listener interested as it subtly takes him into a journey. This is indeed the power of subtle simplicity.
Press Play, which is the fourth track of the album, is also one that stands out. The contrast between the laid back beat and the fast rapping is an excellent combination to reflect the artist’s earned confidence and grounded nature. Picasso grew up with absent parents and was raised by his grandparents. Not an ideal situation for 2 years old. He acknowledges that his life “has been hell than heavens,” but still he acknowledges that it’s important to “keep your head up and trying to keep the faith.” It can be said that Press Play is one of his most vulnerable and emotionally sincere tracks. “You gotta look at reality, understand that shit so you don’t get caught.” This is a strong statement that mixes between being a reality check as well as an invitation to use this realization and work towards a more hopeful and optimistic kind of future. A very unique blend. This is enforced by the liberating melodic section by the end of the track. It’s a hopeful and sweet outro yet keeps this steady and grounded feel and vibe to the song.
Another track that stands out is OPPS ALERT. It starts with an interesting piano intro that almost gives a classical feel but with the synthesized vocal lines. Without a doubt this highlights an interesting and innovative blend that sets the tone for the track and hightens the surprise element of the sudden start of th le upbeat rapping.
With so many interesting and surprising elements to this incredibly well-thought of album, it would’ve been interesting to see how Picasso would also express his creativity with different collaborators. The artist surely has many innovative ideas and a unique musical vision that is worth showcasing. Especially that with an 18 tracks long album, some beats a could start to feel slightly repetitive.
All in all, Blast Off, surely present an innovative take on the world of hip hop. It showcases Picasso’s ability to innovate musically as well the endless possibilities that are ahead of the world of hip hop.